U.S. patent application number 13/335127 was filed with the patent office on 2013-06-27 for activation of safety mechanisms using smart materials.
This patent application is currently assigned to GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Alan L. Browne, Nancy L. Johnson, Nicholas W. Pinto, IV. Invention is credited to Alan L. Browne, Nancy L. Johnson, Nicholas W. Pinto, IV.
Application Number | 20130162056 13/335127 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48575863 |
Filed Date | 2013-06-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130162056 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pinto, IV; Nicholas W. ; et
al. |
June 27, 2013 |
Activation of Safety Mechanisms Using Smart Materials
Abstract
The present disclosure relates to a system, for selectively
actuating a safety mechanism, to protect against electrical shock,
using a transformable material. The system includes the
transformable material, being: (1) connectable electrically to an
electrical component having an unwanted electrical charge and (2)
changeable between a deformed shape and an undeformed shape based
on electrical input resulting from the electrical charge at the
electrical component. The transformable material is also (3)
connected mechanically to the safety mechanism so that change in
the transformable material causes movement of the safety mechanism.
The transformable material is further (4) configured and arranged
in the system to, in response to being exposed to the electrical
input, change to its undeformed shape and thereby actuate the
safety mechanism.
Inventors: |
Pinto, IV; Nicholas W.;
(Ferndale, MI) ; Browne; Alan L.; (Grosse Pointe,
MI) ; Johnson; Nancy L.; (Northville, MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Pinto, IV; Nicholas W.
Browne; Alan L.
Johnson; Nancy L. |
Ferndale
Grosse Pointe
Northville |
MI
MI
MI |
US
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS
LLC
Detroit
MI
|
Family ID: |
48575863 |
Appl. No.: |
13/335127 |
Filed: |
December 22, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
307/326 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01H 2085/0004 20130101;
H01H 85/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
307/326 |
International
Class: |
H02H 99/00 20090101
H02H099/00 |
Claims
1. A system, for selectively actuating a safety mechanism, to
protect against electrical shock, using a transformable material,
comprising: the transformable material, being: connectable
electrically to an electrical component having an unwanted
electrical charge; changeable between a deformed shape and an
undeformed shape based on electrical input resulting from the
electrical charge at the electrical component; and connected
mechanically to the safety mechanism so that change in the
transformable material causes movement of the safety mechanism;
wherein the transformable material is configured and arranged in
the system to, in response to being exposed to the electrical
input, change to its undeformed shape and thereby actuate the
safety mechanism.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein the safety mechanism includes a
movable locking component.
3. The system of claim 2 further comprising the locking component,
wherein the locking component is configured and arranged in the
system so that the locking component, when actuated by the
transformable material, moves to lock an access feature associated
with the electrical component to limit physical access to the
electrical component.
4. The system of claim 1 wherein the safety mechanism includes a
movable blocking element.
5. The system of claim 4 further comprising the blocking element,
wherein the blocking element is configured and arranged in the
system so that the blocking element when actuated by the
transformable material, moves to a blocking position to limit
physical access to the electrical component.
6. The system of claim 1 wherein the safety mechanism includes an
openable/closable electrical switch positioned between the
transformable material and the electrical component.
7. The system of claim 6 further comprising: a draining sub-system
configured and arranged in the system to educe unwanted electrical
charge in the electrical component; and the electrical switch,
wherein the electrical switch is configured and arranged in the
system so that the electrical switch, when actuated by the
transformable material, stays in a closed position thereby
maintaining an electrical connection between the electrical
component and the draining sub-system.
8. The system of claim 7 wherein the transformable material is a
part of the draining sub-system.
9. The system of claim 6 wherein: the electrical switch is movable
between an open position and a closed position; and the system
further comprises a triggering component configured and arranged in
the system to selectively activate and thereby cause the electrical
switch to move to its closed position, thereby allowing electrical
current to flow from the electrical component to the transformable
material.
10. The system of claim 9 wherein the triggering component is
configured to activate responsive to a physical force at the
system.
11. The system of claim 1 wherein: the system is in an actuated
state when the transformable material actuates the safety
mechanism; the system further comprises an alert feature configured
and arranged in the system to emit an alert notification while the
system is in the actuated state;. the system further comprises a
draining sub-system configured and arranged in the system to reduce
unwanted electrical charge in the electrical component; and the
alert feature is a part of the draining sub-system.
12. The system of claim 1 wherein: the system is in an actuated
state when the transformable material actuates the safety
mechanism; the system is in an unactuated state when the
transformable material is not actuating the safety mechanism: and
the system further comprises a biasing device configured and
connected to the safety mechanism to bias the system toward the
unactuated state.
13. The system of claim 1 further comprising a link, wherein the
link is: connected to a first electrical switch, the first
electrical switch being located between the electrical component
and a power source and movable between an open position of the
first electrical switch and a closed position of the first
electrical switch; connected to a second electrical switch
positioned, the second electrical switch being located between the
electrical component and the transformable material and movable
between an open position of the second electrical switch and a
closed position of the second electrical switch; movable between a
first position and a second position; and configured and arranged
in the system to move the first electrical switch to its open
position, when the link is moved to the first position, thereby
keeping electrical current from flowing from the power source to
the electrical component by way of the first electrical switch; and
move the second electrical switch to its closed position, when the
link is moved to its first position, thereby allowing electrical
current to flow from the electrical component to the transformable
material by way of the second electrical switch.
14. The system of claim 1 wherein the link is further configured
and arranged in the system to: move the first electrical switch to
its closed position, when the link is moved to the second position,
thereby allowing electrical current to flow from the power source
to the electrical component by way of the first electrical switch;
and move the second electrical switch to its open position, when
the link is moved to its second position, thereby keeping
electrical current from flowing from the electrical component to
the transformable material by way of the second electrical
switch.
15. A method, for operating a system to selectively actuate a
safety mechanism, o protect against electrical shock, using a
transformable material, comprising: closing an electrical switch
positioned between the transformable material and an electrical
component having the unwanted electrical charge, thereby allowing
electrical current caused by the charge to flow from the electrical
component to the transformable material; receiving, at the
transformable material, in response to the electrical switch
closing, the electrical current; the transformable material
changing, in response to receiving the electrical current, from a
deformed shape of the material to an undeformed shape of the
material and the transformable material, by changing to its
undeformed shape, causing actuation of the safety mechanism.
16. The method of claim 15 wherein the safety mechanism includes at
least one element selected from a group of elements consisting of:
a movable locking component that, when actuated, locks an access
feature associated with the electrical component to limit physical
access to the electrical component a movable blocking element that,
when actuated, moves to a blocking position to limit physical
access to the electrical component: and an openable/closable
electrical switch that is positioned between the transformable
material and the electrical component, and that, when activated,
stays in a closed position thereby maintaining an electrical
connection between the electrical component and a draining
sub-system configured and arranged in the system to reduce the
unwanted charge in the electrical component.
17. The method of claim 15 wherein: the safety mechanism includes
an openable/closable electrical switch, positioned between the
transformable material and the electrical component, and, when
activated, stays in a closed position thereby maintaining an
electrical connection between the electrical component and a
draining sub-system configured and arranged in the system to reduce
the unwanted charge in the electrical component; and the method
further includes a triggering component activating and, thereby,
causing the electrical switch to move to its closed position,
thereby allowing electrical current to flow from the electrical
component to the transformable material.
18. A system, for selectively actuating a safety mechanism, to
protect against exposure to an unwanted stimulus, using a
transformable material, comprising: a biasing element; the safety
mechanism configured to be selectively moved, against force of the
biasing element, by operation of the transformable material to one
of an engaged position and an unengaged position; and the
transformable material being configured and arranged in the system
so that, in operation of the system, when the transformable
material is exposed to the stimulus, the transformable material
changes from a first form to a second form, thereby causing motion
of the safety mechanism.
19. The system of claim 18, wherein the safety mechanism includes
at least one particular mechanism selected from a group of
particular mechanisms consisting of a lock and a shield.
20. The system of claim 18, wherein the stimulus is a particular
stimulus selected from a group of particular stimuli consisting of
heat, lack of heat, and radiation.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to activating
safety mechanisms using a smart material and, more particularly, to
systems and methods for actuating safety locks, shields, and
alarms, and in some instances removing unwanted electric charge,
using the smart material.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Various safety features have been used to protect people
from electrical shock from electrical devices such as breaker
boxes, other types of control boxes, and battery systems. Safety
features also exist to protect people from other hazardous
conditions such as high heat, cold, or radiation levels,
[0003] A common safety feature for breaker boxes or control boxes
is a mechanical locking mechanism that engages automatically
whenever a main power switch is turned on.
[0004] Turning to the figures, and more particularly the first
figures, FIG. 1 shows an example of a breaker box or control box
100, referred to generally as a power box. The power box 100 is
used in an environment 102, such as an assembly plant or factory.
The power box 100 has an input 103 for receiving a main power
source 104, such as a power input cable.
[0005] The power box 100 shown in FIG. 1 includes a cover panel or
door 106 or other access component or feature. Some power boxes 100
(not shown in FIG.) are open, lacking such a door. The box 100 can
also include a conventional lock 108 releasable by a release switch
110. And the box 100 can have a power breaker or switch 112
controlling input of power to the box from the power source 104. In
some cases, the lock and switch are connected indirectly so that
throwing the switch to turn the power on also results in the lock
locking.
[0006] At least some embodiments having such a switch 112, or other
activating feature that can be selectively activated by a person,
can be referred to as active-actuation systems, being configured
and arranged to be actuated actively for actuating one or more
safety mechanisms--e.g., locking mechanism, blocking mechanism, and
mechanism to hold closed an electrical connection between the
source and a load (e.g., alarm(s), resistor(s), etc.), thereby
promoting drainage of unwanted electrical charge. The mechanism
described primarily in connection with FIGS. 2-8, consists of the
prior two mechanisms, the locking and blocking mechanisms.
[0007] When the main power to such boxes is turned off--e.g., the
main power switch 112 is turned off (and a main lock can here be
automatically released), residual power may still be in the system,
such as by not having discharged from each sub-unit within the box,
or by the system being mis-wired. In this event, personnel
accessing the box may be exposed undesirably to the charge,
believing that they were safe due to the box being
unlocked/openable and/or the switch being turned off.
[0008] Some boxes have secondary power feeds, which can be
mis-wired so the current therefrom reaches undesirably certain
parts of the system 200 with which users could come into contact.
An example secondary power feed is identified by reference numeral
105 in FIG. 1. As an example, the system 200 could include a
separate A/C line, such as a 120-volt line (single-phase or
three-phase, for instance), and, if a part of the system is
mis-wired, its power could back feed into a main machine so that
even though a main switch or breaker is switched off, and the
mechanical lock released, power could still be supplied to the
system. As another example, the system 200 could include a DC line,
such as in regards to capacitor power cabinets connected to DC
motor drives.
[0009] Again, personnel accessing the box may be exposed
undesirably to the charge, believing that they are safe due to the
box opening.
[0010] Risk of shock is also present in connection with electrical
devices having a local battery source. For instance, in the event
of an emergency, charge stemming from the battery could
theoretically extend to various parts external and proximate to
it.
[0011] Regarding temperature and radiation, a common safety system
is to use a chromo-sensitive material that changes its appearance
when exposed to heat, cold or radiation, thereby warning people of
the condition. Other systems use gages, such as a thermometer or
radiometer to warn people. One shortcoming of these methods is that
they still allow the people, who may or may not notice the warning,
to access the hazardous condition, which can occur.
[0012] Systems and methods for protecting persons from electric
charge and other unwanted conditions (e.g., heat, cold, radiation)
in these and similar scenarios are desirable.
SUMMARY
[0013] The present disclosure relates in one aspect to a system,
for selectively actuating a safety mechanism, to protect against
electrical shock, using a transformable material. The system
includes the transformable material, being: (1) connectable
electrically to an electrical component having an unwanted
electrical charge and (2) changeable between a temporary shape and
an original shape based on electrical input resulting from the
electrical charge at the electrical component. The transformable
material is also (3) connected mechanically to the safety mechanism
so that change in the transformable material causes movement of the
safety mechanism. The transformable material is further (4)
configured and arranged in the system to, in response to being
exposed to the electrical input, change to its original shape and
thereby actuate the safety mechanism.
[0014] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a method, for
operating a system to selectively actuate a safety mechanism, to
protect against electrical shock, using a transformable material.
The method includes closing an electrical switch positioned between
the transformable material and an electrical component having the
unwanted electrical charge, thereby allowing electrical current
caused by the charge to flow from the electrical component to the
transformable material. The method also includes receiving, at the
transformable material, in response to the electrical switch
closing, the electrical current, and the transformable material
changing, in response to receiving the electrical current, from a
temporary shape to an original shape of the material. The method
further includes the transformable material, by changing to its
original shape, causing actuation of the safety mechanism.
[0015] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides another
system, for selectively actuating a safety mechanism, to protect
against electrical shock, using a transformable material. This
system also includes the transformable material being (i)
connectable electrically to an electrical component having an
unwanted electrical charge, (ii) changeable between a temporary
shape to an original shape based on electrical input resulting from
the electrical charge at the electrical component, (iii) connected
mechanically to the safety mechanism so that change of the
transformable material causes movement of the safety mechanism, and
(iv) configured and arranged in the system to, in response to being
exposed to the electrical input, change to its original shape and
thereby actuate the safety mechanism. In this aspect, the safety
mechanism includes at least one element selected from a group of
elements consisting of (a) a movable locking component configured
and arranged to lock, when actuated, an access feature associated
with the electrical component to limit physical access to the
electrical component, (b) a movable blocking element that is
configured and arranged to move, when actuated by the transformable
material, to a blocking position to limit physical access to the
electrical component, and (c) an openable/closable electrical
switch positioned between the transformable material and the
electrical component and configured and arranged to stay in a
closed position thereby maintaining an electrical connection
between the electrical component and a draining sub-system
configured and arranged to reduce unwanted electrical charge in the
electrical component.
[0016] In a particular embodiment, the safety mechanism in the
above-mentioned aspects includes a component holding closed an
electrical connection between an unwanted electrical charge and a
safety sub-system that drains and/or notifies of the unwanted
electrical charge. In one particular embodiment, the safety
mechanism in the above-mentioned aspects includes a locking
mechanism or a blocking mechanism.
[0017] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a system,
for selectively actuating a safety mechanism, to protect against
exposure to an unwanted stimulus, using a transformable material.
The system includes a biasing element and the safety mechanism. The
safety mechanism is configured to be selectively moved, against
force of the biasing element, by operation of the transformable
material to one of an engaged position and an unengaged position.
The system also includes the transformable material, which is in
this aspect configured and arranged in the system so that, in
operation of the system, when the transformable material is exposed
to the stimulus, the transformable material changes from a first
form to a second form, thereby causing motion of the safety
mechanism. In a particular embodiment, the safety mechanism
includes a lock and/or a shield. In a particular embodiment, the
stimulus can variously be one or more of heat, lack of heat (e.g.
cold), and radiation.
[0018] Other aspects of the present invention will be in part
apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates a conventional breaker or control
box.
[0020] FIG. 2 illustrates a sub-system, for automatically locking
an electrical system, in an unactuated state, while a main system
power switch is turned on, according to a first embodiment of the
present technology.
[0021] FIG. 3 illustrates the sub-system of FIG. 2 in an unactuated
state while the main system power switch is turned off, according
to an embodiment of the present technology.
[0022] FIG. 4 illustrates the sub-system of FIG. 2 in an actuated
state, while the main system power switch is turned off, according
to an embodiment of the present technology.
[0023] FIG. 5 illustrates a breaker or control box according to the
present technology.
[0024] FIG. 6 illustrates a method of operation of the systems
described herein.
[0025] FIG. 7 illustrates a sub-system, for automatically shielding
components, in an unactuated state, while a main system power
switch is turned on, according to a second embodiment of the
present technology.
[0026] FIG. 8 illustrates the sub-system of FIG. 7 in an actuated
state, while the main system power switch is turned off, according
to an embodiment of the present technology.
[0027] FIG. 9 illustrates a sub-system, for automatically locking
an electrical system, having a triggering component, in an
unactuated state, according to a third embodiment of the present
technology.
[0028] FIG. 10 illustrates a first example triggering component, in
an unactuated e, for the sub-system shown in FIG. 9.
[0029] FIG. 11 illustrates the first example triggering component
of FIG. 10 in an actuated state.
[0030] FIG. 12 illustrates a second example triggering component,
in an actuated state.
[0031] FIG. 13 illustrates a second example triggering component,
in an unactuated state, for the sub-system shown in FIG. 9.
[0032] FIG. 14 illustrates the second example triggering component
of FIG. 13 in an actuated state.
[0033] FIG. 15 illustrates the sub-system of FIG. 9 in an actuated
state, according o an embodiment of the present technology.
[0034] FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate a sub-system, for automatically
locking a system in response to a predetermined stimulus, according
to another embodiment of the present technology.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0035] As required, detailed embodiments of the present disclosure
are disclosed herein. The disclosed embodiments are merely examples
that may be embodied in various and alternative forms, and
combinations thereof. As used herein, for example, "exemplary," and
similar terms, refer expansively to embodiments that serve as an
illustration, specimen, model or pattern.
[0036] The figures are not necessarily to scale and some features
may be exaggerated or minimized, such as to show details of
particular components. In some instances, well-known components.
systems, materials or methods have not been described in detail in
order to avoid obscuring the present disclosure. Therefore,
specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not
to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims
and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art
to employ the present disclosure.
Overview of the Disclosure
[0037] The present technology makes use of transformable materials,
such as a smart materials and more particularly Shape Memory Alloys
(SMAs), which can be readily deformed at low temperature but
transform to a much stronger state (for shape memory alloys this is
approximately a 2.5 times increase in modulus) above their
transformation temperature.
[0038] In various particular embodiments, the present disclosure
describes systems and methods for actuating safety locks and alarms
using a transformable material. The disclosure also describes
systems and methods for removing unwanted electric charge from a
local source, such as a battery, using a smart material.
[0039] Generally, transformable materials, such as smart materials,
are those having one or more properties that can be changed in a
controlled fashion by external stimuli, such as temperature,
electric field, stress, magnetic field, or pH level. Common smart
materials include piezoelectric materials, shape-memory alloys,
shape-memory polymers, magnetostrictive materials, magnetic
shape-memory alloys, pH-sensitive polymers, temperature-responsive
polymers, and chromic materials.
[0040] While transferable materials are referred to herein mostly
as smart materials for convenience, uses of the term smart are not
intended to limit the material to being a certain type of
transformable material, and references herein to smart materials
should be considered to include broader readings whereby the
material can be a transformable material other than what might be
considered as only a smart material.
[0041] Most embodiments of the present disclosure use smart
materials configured to change shape responsive to electrical or
heat input. Common smart materials of this type are shape-memory
alloys.
[0042] A shape-memory alloy is a metal alloy that remembers a
cold-forged shape. This shape may also be referred to as an
original, initial, or permanent state. The alloy, if deformed from
this original shape by an applied load will return to it, i.e.
exhibit shape memory in response to being exposed to an input of
heat or electric current. Shape-memory alloys are commonly known by
names including the following: SMA, smart metal, memory metal,
memory alloy, muscle wire, and smart alloy.
[0043] In some embodiments, the present technology involves
connecting the smart material to a part having an unwanted
electrical charge. An example part is a power box line having
unwanted residual charge, such as from electricity that remains in
components of the box after power to the box has already been
disconnected. In another example, there is at least one secondary
source of power for the box, such as a small power line distinct
from a main power line (e.g., main power line 104), In still
another example, unwanted charge exists in a system, or electrical
sub-system thereof, stemming from a local power source, such as a
battery.
[0044] The technology also includes one or more security mechanisms
connected to the smart material. The security mechanisms are
configured and arranged with respect to the smart material to be
actuated by the smart material.
[0045] In response to the smart material being connected to the
electrified part, current enters the material causing it to change
from its temporary deformed state to its initial, permanent shape.
By changing its shape, the smart material actuates the associated
security mechanism, such as by pulling a security lock into place,
moving a cover plate into a position blocking user access to
electrified components, and/or keeping closed a circuit draining
unwanted charge.
[0046] The system can also include an electrical ground connected
to the component having the unwanted charge. The smart material can
be connected between the charged component and the ground (e.g.,
through a load such as a resistor, alarms, an inductive coil, etc.)
and/or hold together the connection between the charged component
and the ground.
[0047] In some embodiments, the system includes one or more alarms
connected in the circuit between the electrified part and the
ground. Example alarms include visual alarms, such as a light, and
audible alarms, such as a siren or horn and also provide a passive
means of reporting to a monitoring system. In some embodiments the
monitoring system can be any central computerized and/or manned
system for tracking and notifying personnel and/or other systems of
relevant events. A relevant event could be, for instance, a safety
system including an SMA being engaged in response to stimuli such
as: (i) Joule heating from an unwanted electric current, (ii)
unwanted ambient or environmental temperature change, such as heat
from a fire or engine compartment (e.g., a radiator) or from a
cryogenic environment, such as a container or room housing liquid
nitrogen, (iii) unwanted radiation. The monitoring system in some
embodiments includes a remote processing center, such as the
OnStar.RTM. system (OnStar is a registered trademark of OnStar,
LLC, a subsidiary of the General Motors Company).
[0048] Benefits of the present technology include protecting
persons from electrical shock by one or more of automatically
locking an enclosure, blocking access to charged components,
providing a visual or audible notification of the unwanted charge,
and draining the charge. Other benefits include the provision of
such protections using unwanted electricity, and so without use of,
and so conservation of, other electricity. The provision is also
made in each case without the cost or other burdens related to
complex devices such as a computer processing unit. As still
another benefit, the technology of some embodiments of the present
technology are configured and arranged to perform their desired
functions (e.g., lock, block, drain, warn) not only automatically,
but also until the performance is no longer needed--that is, until
the unwanted charge has been removed or at least alleviated to a
sufficient degree.
FIG. 2
[0049] Returning to the figures, FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic
block diagram of an environment or system 200 in which the present
technology is implemented. The components shown in FIG. 2 can all
be a part of a single apparatus, such as an electrical power or
control box.
[0050] The system 200 includes at least one system component 202
powered by electricity received from a power input 104, such as the
power line 104 shown in FIG. 1. The system component(s) 202 can
include any of a wide variety of electrical devices or parts, such
as fuses, computing circuitry, capacitor banks (groups of
capacitors grouped together to build a larger charge), electrical
motor drives and brakes, temperature controls, and programmable
logic controllers (PLCs).
[0051] An electrical line 204 connecting the input 104 and the
system component 202 selectively openable/closable. As an example,
in one embodiment, the connection can be opened and closed by way
of an actuator 112, such as the power switch shown in FIG. 1. With
the actuator 112 in an on position, as shown in FIG. 2, a link 206
connected to or being a part of, the actuator 112 holds a first
electrical switch 208 in a closed position, as also shown in FIG.
2. The link 206 includes one or multiple parts. The first
electrical switch 208 is connected between the system component 202
and the power input 104. With the first electrical switch 208
closed, as shown in FIG. 2, current 209 flows from the power input
104 to the system component 202.
[0052] In some embodiments, the electrical line 204 is considered a
part of the electrical component 202. For instance, in embodiments
that operate to limit access to the electrical component, to ward
against a person being shocked (see e.g., FIGS. 4 and 8), the
protections can be said to limit access by the person to the
electrical component, generally, which can include conducting parts
connected electrically to the electrical component 202, such as the
lines 204, 210 (see e.g., FIG. 8). The electrical component 202 can
include one or numerous conducting parts that can carry unwanted
charge.
[0053] The system 200 is also configured such that when the power
switch is in the on position, a second electrical switch 210 is
open. The second electrical switch 208 is connected between the
component 202 and a transformable material 212, such as a smart
material.
[0054] Exemplary smart materials for use in this aspect, i.e. shape
memory alloys, are described above. As shown schematically in FIGS.
2 and 3, the link 206 is configured and arranged to (i) effect
closing of the first electrical switch 208 and, simultaneously,
opening of the second electrical switch 210, when the power switch
112 is in its on position (FIG. 2) and (ii) effect opening of the
first electrical switch 208 and simultaneously closing of the
second electrical switch 210, when the power switch 112 is in its
off position (FIG. 3).
[0055] The smart material 212 is connected directly or indirectly
to a security mechanism, such as a locking component 214. In the
example of FIG. 2, the smart material 212 is connected to the
locking component 214 by way of an intermediate component 213. In
this example and other embodiments, the intermediate component 213
operates to translate a first motion of the smart material to a
second motion of the locking component 214, as described further
below.
[0056] In some embodiments, the locking component 214 is biased
toward the unlocked position shown in FIG. 2 by a biasing component
216, such as a tension spring. The biasing component 216 could
alternatively or in addition include other springs, such as a coil
spring, or a non-spring biasing device.
[0057] The locking component 214 can include any common locking
parts such as a latch or a pin, as shown by way of example in FIG.
2. The locking part of the locking component 214 is connectable to
a complementing part 218, such as a plate or other securing
component having a receptacle 220 for receiving a latch or pin. The
complementing part 218 is a part of the security mechanism actuated
by the smart material 212 and, in some embodiments, the
complementing part 218 is considered a part of the locking
component 214. In some embodiments, the smart material 212 is
considered a part of what is referred to as the security mechanism,
actuating selectively other parts of the security mechanism, while
in others it can be considered to connect to and actuate
selectively distinct parts of the security mechanism.
FIG. 3
[0058] In response to the actuator 112 being switched to an off
position, as shown in FIG. 3, connection between the power input
104 and the component 202 is cut off. Particularly, as shown, in
response to the switch being switched to its off position, the link
206 (a) moves the first electrical switch 208 to a disconnected
position, breaking/opening the connection between the input 104 and
component 202, and (b) moves the second electrical switch 210 to a
connected position, closing a connection between the component and
the smart material.
[0059] With the second electrical switch 210 closed, any unwanted
electrical charge present in the system component 202 flows as
current 219 from the system component 202 through the second
electrical switch 210 to the smart material 212, as shown in FIG.
3.
FIG. 4
[0060] In response to the smart material 212 being connected to the
electrified system component 202, the current 219 enters or at
least affects (e.g., heats) the material 212 causing the material
to return from its deformed shape shown schematically in FIGS. 2
and 3, to its initial permanent shape, shown schematically in FIG.
4. The deformation is shown schematically by arrows labeled by
reference numeral 221.
[0061] As shown in FIG. 4, the smart material 212 is connected to a
first joining part or portion 222 at, adjacent, or near an
intersection of the smart material 212 and the intermediate
component 213. In the illustrated example, the part includes a
rotational-linear feature allowing the smart material and
intermediate component 213 to move with respect to each other
angularly and linearly. The example linear movement caused at the
first joining part or portion 222 by the smart material 212
deforming is shown by an arrow labeled by reference numeral 223 in
FIG. 4.
[0062] The intermediate component 213 in turn rotates
(counterclockwise in the schematic view of FIG. 4) about a pivot
227 causing movement of a second joining part or portion 224. Like
the first, the second joining portion of this example also includes
a rotational-linear feature, By the first joining portion 222
rotating and moving to the left (arrow 223), the second joining
portion 224 is caused to rotate and move to the right as shown by
an arrow labeled by reference numeral 225 in FIG. 4. Directional
indicators, such as left, right, up, down, provided herein are
arbitrary and given for ease of description and understanding
concepts of the present technology.
[0063] The second joining portion 224 moving to the right, in the
schematic view of FIG. 4, causes the locking component 214 to also
move toward the right. The locking component 214 moving
sufficiently toward the right engages the complementing lock part
218, such as a plate, by entering a receptacle 220 thereof. The
complementing lock part 218 is secured into place, at the position
shown schematically in. FIG. 4, by mating with (e.g., receiving)
the locking component 214.
[0064] The parts connecting the smart material 212 and the locking
component 214 can be referred to generally as intermediate parts.
These include at least the intermediate component 213. The first
joining portion 222 can be a part of the intermediate parts or of a
sub-system including the smart material 212. The second joining
portion 225 can be a part of the intermediate parts or of a
sub-system including the locking component 214.
[0065] In some embodiments, there are not intermediate parts.
Rather, the smart material 212, which can include ancillary
connecting features such as the first joining portion 222, as
described, is effectively connected directly to a safety mechanism,
including the locking component 214 in the example of FIGS. 2-5,
wherein the locking component can include ancillary connecting
features such as the second joining portion 224, as also
described.
[0066] It will also be appreciated that intermediate parts
illustrated are merely schematic representations of various forms
of intermediate parts, beyond just a pivot arrangement. In a
contemplated embodiment, for example, the intermediate parts
include a rack-and-pinion arrangement. For instance, a pinion can
be associated to rotate with movement of the smart material due to
its deformation and a rack can be connected to both the pinion and
the locking component 214 so that the rack translates linearly in
response to rotation of the pinion.
[0067] The smart material 212 is in some embodiments considered a
part of a charge drain or relief sub-system. A function of the
sub-system is to drain or alleviate unwanted charge in the system
200 and, particularly, for example, unwanted charge from the
electrical component(s) 202. In some embodiments (not shown in
detail in FIG. 2), the smart material 212 is not a part of the
charge drain or relief sub-system,
[0068] As referenced above, the system 200 in some embodiments
includes one or more alerts or alarms 230, 232. The alarms 230, 232
are connected in-circuit to the electrical component 202 in
response and/or while the smart material 212 is actuated. For
instance, in the example of FIGS. 2-4. the alarms 230, 232 are
connected to the electrical switch 210 so that when the switch 210
is moved from its open position (FIGS. 2 and 3) to its closed
position (FIG. 4), the current 219 draining from the electrical
component 202 flows to the alarms 230, 232.
[0069] The alarms 230, 232 can be positioned in various positions
with respect to the smart material 212. For instance, while they
are shown in FIG. 4 positioned between the smart material 212 and
an electrical ground 234, the figures and description are also to
be considered to provide one or more of the alarms 230, 232 being
positioned between the smart material 212 and the electrical switch
210.
[0070] While two alarms are shown, the alarms 230, 232 in some
embodiments include any number of distinct or combined alarm
devices. The alarm devices portrayed by way of example include a
visual alarm 230, such as a light, and an audible alarm 232, such
as a horn or a siren.
[0071] In some embodiments, the alarms 230, 232 can be considered
to include a monitoring system or at least a connection to such a
monitoring system for providing signals (e.g., electrical signal),
message (e.g., e-mail, phone message), sound, light, etc, to such a
monitoring system. In some embodiments the monitoring system can be
any central computerized and/or manned system for tracking and
notifying personnel and/or other systems of relevant events. A
relevant event could be, for instance, a safety system including an
SMA being engaged in response to stimuli such as: (i) Joule heating
from an unwanted electric current, (ii) unwanted ambient or
environmental temperature change, such as heat from a fire or from
a cryogenic environment, such as a container or room housing liquid
nitrogen, (iii) unwanted radiation. The monitoring system in some
embodiments includes a remote processing center, such as the
OnStar.RTM. system referenced above.
[0072] In embodiments in which the alarms 230, 232 are present and
positioned to receive current 219 stemming from the unwanted charge
of the electrical component 202, the alarms are considered a part
of the charge drain or relief sub-system mentioned above. The
relevant alarms thus contribute to the function of draining or
alleviating unwanted charge in the system 200 and, particularly,
for example, unwanted charge at the electrical component(s) 202.
The alarms do this by drawing some of the current for their
operation.
[0073] The aforementioned electrical ground 234, when present as
described, is considered a part of the charge drain or relief
sub-system mentioned above, contributing to the function of
draining or alleviating unwanted charge from the system 200 and,
particularly, for example, from the electrical component(s)
202.
[0074] The system 200 can also include one or more resistors 236.
The resistor 236 can be positioned in various positions with
respect to the smart material 212. For instance, while it is shown
in FIG. 4 positioned between the smart material 212 and the
electrical ground 234, the figures and description are also to be
considered to provide one or more resistors 236 positioned between
the smart material 212 and the electrical switch 210. In
embodiments in which the resistor 236 is present and positioned to
receive current 219 stemming from the unwanted charge of the
electrical component 202, the resistor 236 is considered a part of
the charge drain or relief sub-system mentioned above. Relevant
resistors 236 thus contribute to the function of draining or
alleviating unwanted charge in the system 200 and, particularly,
for example, unwanted charge at the electrical component(s) 202.
The resistor 236 does this by drawing some of the current by way of
its resistive properties.
[0075] While shown schematically within the system 200, it will be
appreciated that the electrical ground 234 or parts thereof may be
external to the system 200. This same possibility exists for each
of the parts described and shown in connection with the systems
provided. For example, any one or more of the parts of the systems
200, 700 shown in FIGS. 2-4 and 6-9 can be completely or partially
within the system or completely or partially outside of and
connected to the system. In addition to the example of the
electrical ground 234 being partially or completely outside of and
connected to the system 200, any of the electrical component 202,
the alarms 230, 232, the resistor 236, and all or some of the
security mechanism (e.g., the complimenting lock component 218/220)
can be partially or completely outside of and connected to the
system 200.
[0076] In some embodiments, the system 200 is configured and
arranged so that movement of the smart material 112 by its shape
recovery (shape memory) acts to hold closed a connection (e.g., the
second electrical switch 210) between the electrical component 202
and the drain or relief sub-system. This function can be seen in
the schematic visualization of FIG. 14. By this arrangement,
connection between the electrical components and drain/relief
sub-system components is maintained as long as there is unwanted
charge flowing to the smart material 212 causing it to remain in
its undeformed state, e.g., constricted as compared to a
pseudo-plastically deformed shape. In such embodiment, when the
unwanted charge is removed or reduced sufficiently, the smart
material 212 will be stretched by the biasing element (e.g., the
biasing element 216 shown in FIG. 8) to return to or at least
markedly toward its as-installed, stretched, shape, and thereby the
smart material 212 will completely stop or to an extent stop
holding closed the connection between the electrical component and
the drain/relief sub-system. Operation of the components shown in
FIG. 14 is described below in more detail.
FIG. 5
[0077] FIG. 5 shows an exemplary system 200 in the form of an
electrical box, such as a control or power box. The complementing
lock part 218 and the receptacle 220 are shown connected to a door
106 of the system. In one embodiment, the system 200 includes a
partial or complete housing having an opening 502 sized and shaped
to receive the complimentary locking part. The parts and the
operation of the system 200 shown in FIGS. 2-6 are described
further below in connection with FIG. 6.
FIG. 6
[0078] FIG. 6 shows an exemplary method 600 of operation of the
technology of the present disclosure. It should be understood that
the steps of the method 600 are not necessarily presented in any
particular order and that performance of some or all the steps in
an alternative order is possible and is contemplated. The steps
have been presented in the demonstrated order for ease of
description and illustration. Steps can be added, omitted and/or
performed simultaneously without departing from the scope of the
appended claims. It should also be understood that the illustrated
method 600 can be ended at any time.
[0079] The method 600 begins and flow proceeds to block 602,
whereat power to the system 200 can be turned on, such as by the
switch 112 being turned to its on position, thereby allowing power
to flow to the system 200 via the primary power input 104
(components shown in FIGS. 2-5). In one embodiment, when the door
106 is closed and the power to the system 200 is turned on the door
106 is locked from being opened. In this case, for example, the
door 106 may be held from opening by the conventional lock 108.
And, in this case, the conventional lock release 110 is disabled or
its usual unlocking effect otherwise blocked.
[0080] At block 604, power to the system 200 is turned off, such as
by the switch 112 being turned to its off position, thereby
stopping flow of power from the primary power input 104 to system
200. In some embodiments, this switching action also causes
disengagement of the conventional lock (e.g., lock 108). As
described above and shown in connection with FIGS. 2 and 3, the
power-off function disconnects a first link 208 to the electrical
component 202 and connects a second link 210 to the electrical
component 202.
[0081] In response to the power being turned off, and the second
link 210 being closed, at block 606, any unwanted charge, in the
electrical component 202, that is connected electrically to the
electrical line 204 begins to flow, as the described current 219
(shown in FIGS. 3 and 4), through the line 204, through the second
link 210, and towards the smart material 212.
[0082] As provided, the unwanted charge can exist from one or more
of various reasons. For instance, a residual power may still be in
the system 200 by not having discharged from each of one or more
sub-units of the system 200 (e.g., electrical components 202). In
this event, personnel accessing the box may be exposed undesirably
to the charge, believing that they were safe due to the box being
unlocked. As another example source of unwanted charge, some
systems (e g., power or control boxes) have secondary power
feeds--e.g., in addition to the primary power feed 104 shown in
FIGS. 1-5.
[0083] Whatever the source(s) of the unwanted charge in the system
(e.g., electrical component 202), absent operation of the present
technology, components of the system 200 (e.g., power box) can
remain charged even after the main switch is tripped and the
mechanical lock released, In that conventional case, persons
accessing the box could be exposed undesirably to the charge,
believing that it was safe to access the box due to the box opening
and/or the switch being turned off.
[0084] At block 608, the electric current 219 (FIGS. 3 and 4)
reaches the smart material 212 and the smart material 212 drives to
return to its undeformed state in response. More particularly, for
example, as referenced above, in response to the smart material 212
being connected to the electrified component 202, the current 219
enters or at least affects (e.g., heats) the material 212 causing
the material to return from its pseudo-plastically deformed shape,
shown schematically in FIGS. 2 and 3, to its undeformed, permanent
shape, shown schematically in FIG. 4. The deformation recovery is
shown schematically by arrows labeled by reference numeral 221 in
FIG. 4.
[0085] At block 610, the deformation recovery of the smart material
212 overcomes biasing element(s) to actuate a safety mechanism,
such as the locking features 214, 218, 220, as described above.
Particularly for instance, the system 200 can include one or more
intermediate parts, such as a pivot or a rack-and-pinion
arrangement.
[0086] While the safety mechanism actuated by smart material 212
deformation recovery in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2-5 includes
the locking features 214, 218, 220, the safety mechanism actuated
by such deformation recovery in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 and
8 includes a cover or other blocking component, as described in
more detail below in connection with those figures.
[0087] In the embodiment of FIGS. 9-10, the safety mechanism
includes holding closed a connection between the electrical
component 202 and a drain/relief sub-system including the smart
material 212, so that current from unwanted charge can flow between
the component 202 and sub-system until the unwanted charge is
removed or reduced to a sufficient degree, as described in more
detail below in connection with those figures.
[0088] At block 612, the electrical current 219 from the unwanted
charge reaches alarms 230, 232, which are described above. The
alarms operate to warn personnel in one or more ways, such as by
visual or sound warnings, that unwanted current is still present in
the system 200.
[0089] At block 614, the electrical current 219 from the unwanted
charge reaches other parts such as one or more resistors 236 and an
electric ground 234.
[0090] As provided, above, various components described herein can
have various functions. For instance, the smart material 212 can
operate to actuate one or more safety mechanisms (e.g., move and
hold in place a lock, a cover, and/or an electrical connection (to
promote charge drainage)) as well as to dissipate the unwanted
charge and current. Other features described as dissipating the
unwanted charge and current (i.e., part of a charge drain or relief
sub-system) include the alarms, the resistor, and the electrical
ground.
[0091] At optional block 616, all or a sufficient amount of charge
is drained from the system 200 e.g., the electrical component(s)
202. Step 616 is referred to here as optional because in some
scenarios, the, unwanted charge is of such an amount that it will
not be readily drained. For instance, in the example of the box
being powered by a secondary source (e.g., the separate NC line,
such as a 120-volt line), and that secondary source being
mis-connected, the charge of the secondary source will not likely
be fully drained by the smart material 212 and other components of
the present technology, or at least not for a long time.
[0092] For cases in which act 616 is effected, the current 219
previously flowing to the smart material 212 is gone or decreased
to such a degree so that the smart material 212 changes back toward
its as installed deformed shape (the deformed shape shown in FIGS.
2 and 3) under action of the biasing element 216. In response, the
safety mechanism(s) (e.g., move and hold in place a lock, a cover,
and/or an electrical connection (to promote charge drainage)) is
released. This release, or return, are in some embodiments
facilitated by return bias provided by a bias feature 216, such as
the tension spring described above.
[0093] As another result of the current stopping or becoming
sufficiently low at block 616, any previously-actuated alarms would
stop providing their alert notice.
[0094] In a contemplated embodiment, the method 600 also includes
an act 618 of analyzing, diagnosing, and possibly performing
maintenance on the system. The maintenance can include, for example
resetting or replacing features of the safety technology described
herein. The analysis and diagnostic functions could include
determining that the unwanted charge was caused by mis-wiring
associated with the secondary input power line 105. Follow-up
maintenance could include correcting the mis-wiring.
[0095] The process 600 can end 620 or be repeated as indicated by
the return line identified by link 2 in FIG. 6.
FIGS. 7 and 8
[0096] FIGS. 7 and 8 show an exemplary system 700 according to
another embodiment of the present technology. This embodiment,
including a blocking cover, was referenced above.
[0097] The embodiment of FIGS. 7 and 8 is the same or similar in
many ways to the embodiment of FIGS. 2-5. Common features are
identified in the figures by common reference numerals. Common
features and functions are not described again here for brevity and
the above discussion about the same should be considered
incorporated into this portion about the embodiments of FIGS. 7 and
8.
[0098] A primary difference between the embodiments is that in
place of showing the locking features (e.g., features 214, 218, 220
in FIGS. 2-5), FIGS. 7 and 8 show a blocking or cover feature 702.
While this feature is referred to herein for simplicity as the
cover 702, the form of the feature is not limited to what might be
conventionally thought of as a cover. The feature 702 can also be
referred to, for instance, as a blocking or covering member 702 or
blocking or covering feature, component, part, etc. 702.
[0099] The cover feature 702, or simply cover 702, can include one
or more components. In FIG. 7, a single primary component, a cover
or cover plate 704 is shown. Elements connected to the cover plate
704 can also be considered a part of the cover 702, such as the
connection point 706 described below. As provided above, a primary
purpose of the cover feature 702 is to be movable selectively from
and, at least, to a position in the system 700 whereat the cover
feature will block user access to electrified components.
[0100] The cover 704 can have any of a wide variety of shapes and
sizes without departing from the scope of the present technology.
For instance, the cover 704 in some embodiments is planar or at
least includes a planar element. The cover 704 is shown by a
rectangle in FIGS. 7 and 8, but with the figures being schematic,
the cover is not limited to a rectangular shape. In one embodiment,
the cover is shaped (e.g., custom-shaped) to have a shape
corresponding to the electrical elements that it is purposed to
block when moved to its blocking position.
[0101] The smart material 212, which can be the same or similar to
that described in connection with FIGS. 2-5, is in the embodiment
of FIGS. 7 and 8 connected to the cover feature 702. The smart
material 212 is connected to the cover 702 at one or more
connection points 706. By the connection point(s) 706, certain
motion of the smart material 212 translates to certain
corresponding motion of the cover 702.
[0102] In this embodiment, the smart material 212 can be actuated
in the same way it is actuated in the embodiments of FIGS. 2-5
described above. Once actuated, the smart material changes its
shape such as by constricting, i.e. recovery of its pseudo-plastic
deformation imposed by the biasing element 216. By this change in
shape, the connection point 706 moves, thereby moving the cover
702. In the schematic example of FIGS. 7 and 8, the smart material
212 changes from it shape shown in FIG. 7 to its shape shown in
FIG. 8, causing movement of the connection point 706 and linked
cover 702 from their respective positions in FIG. 7 to those of
FIG. 8.
[0103] The example shape change of the smart material 212 is
indicated in FIG. 8 by arrows labeled by reference numeral 708.
Movement of the cover 702 is indicated in FIG. 8 by arrows labeled
by reference numeral 710.
[0104] The system 700, including the smart material 212, cover 702,
and related parts, are configured and arranged so that the cover
702, upon being moved to its blocking position or blocking state,
shown in FIG. 8, schematically, blocks or covers access to
electrical parts of the system 700 that are or may be electrically
charged and otherwise accessible by personnel. The electrical parts
being blocked can be the electrical components 202 themselves or
wires and/or other electrical constructs connected thereto. Merely
by way of illustration and example, the cover 702 is shown in FIG.
8 as covering certain of the electrical wires and connectors coming
from the electrical component 202. The system 200 can just as
easily be arranged so that all such wires and connectors, the
electrical component(s), and/or other electrically-charged or
possibly charged elements are blocked by the feature 702 when the
system 700 is in the blocking state.
[0105] As referenced above in connection with FIGS. 2-5, a system
according to the present technology can include more than one
safety mechanism. For example, a smart material 212 can be
configured and connected in a system and operate to pull a security
lock into an engaged position, move a cover plate 704 into a
position whereat it blocks user access to electrified components,
and/or keep closed a circuit draining unwanted charge--the latter
(the keep-closed) function being shown generally in FIG. 14 and
described below more in connection with that figure.
[0106] Operation of the system 700 of FIGS. 7 and 8 is similar to
the operation of he system 200 described in connection with FIGS.
2-5 and especially with FIG. 6. A primary distinction being that
the security mechanism focused on in the system 700 of FIGS. 7 and
8 is the cover 702 compared to the security mechanism focused on in
the system 200 of FIGS. 2-5 and 6 being the lock features. As
provided in description of the method 600 of FIG. 6, the security
mechanism described therein could be the cover 702 in addition to
or instead of the lock mechanism.
FIG. 9
[0107] FIG. 9 shows a system 900 according to another embodiment of
the present technology, The system 900 includes a triggering
component 902 configured and arranged to selectively cause closure
of an electrical link 904.
[0108] The electrical link 904 is connected to a power source 906.
The system 900 can also include one or more electrical grounds 908,
234. The power source is in some particular embodiments a local
power source, such as a battery.
[0109] A goal of the system 900 is to, at a select time, drain or
relieve sufficient charge from the power source 906. By the present
technology, the triggering component 902 would trigger closure of
the electrical link 904 thereby commencing a drain procedure to
drain or release the charge form the battery and preferably any
other elements to which charge is at the time present.
[0110] FIGS. 10 and 13 show two alternate embodiments of the
triggering component. 902.
FIG. 10
[0111] In FIG. 10, the triggering component 902 (FIG. 9) includes a
sensor arrangement 902.sup.1 configured to react to certain motion
or action. In one particular embodiment, the sensor arrangement
902.sup.1 is a ball-and-tube sensor arrangement, or other type of
impact or intense-motion sensor. In this embodiment, an activating
element 902.sup.1-1 such as a ball, is configured and arranged to
pass a holding feature 902.sup.1-2, such as a thin film, releasable
brackets, fingers, or the like, in response to sufficient force
910, such as that caused in an impact event.
FIG. 11
[0112] FIG. 11 shows the features of FIG. 10 after the triggering
component (e.g., sensor arrangement) 902.sup.1 shown is activated,
such as by a force 910. As shown, the activating element
902.sup.1-1 was caused by the force 910 to overcome the holding
effect of the holding feature 902.sup.1-2, and continue to contact
and close the electrical link 904.
FIG. 10
[0113] FIG. 10 shows an embodiment in which the ball 902.sup.1-1
includes a conductive material and the system is arranged so that
the ball, when falling into place, completes a circuit as shown in
the figure, allowing current to flow from source 906, shown
partially by dashed lines in FIG. 12, and more expressly in FIGS. 9
and 10.
[0114] In one embodiment, the ball 902.sup.1-1 includes steel or
another conductive metal or conductive material. The resistor(s)
236, as in all illustrated embodiments, can be a current limiter
configured to control by limiting the amount of current that can
pass through the circuit branch including the SMA, thereby avoiding
the SMA being exposed to too high of a current.
[0115] By completing the circuit shown in FIG. 12, including the
source 906, the ball 902.sup.1-1, and the SMA 212, the SMA 212
receives current from the source 906. By this current, the SMA 212
heats by joule heating, thereby causing the SMA 212 to contract to
its original configuration. The source 906 can be drained via this
circuit, it is also seen in FIG. 12 that the system can be
configured and arranged to provide a second circuit flowing also
from the source 906, but directly to the SMA 212, and not through
the ball 902.sup.1-1, In this embodiment, the system is configured
and arranged robustly wherein current has two alternate routes to
travel--e.g., if one route breaks, charge in the source 906 can
still drain through the SMA 212 via the other route.
[0116] In one contemplated embodiment, the system is arranged so
that the ball does not physically move the closing portion 904 to
its closed position (e.g., at the area indicated by reference
numerals 915 in the figure: rather the system is arranged so that
there is a space between the ball and the closing portion 904).
Rather, the ball, by contacting the contacts 911, 913, creates the
first circuit allowing the current to flow to the SMA 212, and the
SMA in response contracts, thereby closing the closing portion
904.
FIG. 13
[0117] In FIG. 13, the triggering component 902 (FIG. 9) includes a
relay arrangement 902.sup.2, or a common signal source, configured
to react to an input signal by causing closure of the electrical
link 904. The relay arrangement includes a triggering component
including a relay arrangement 902.sup.2.
FIG. 14
[0118] FIG. 14 shows the features of FIG. 13 after the triggering
component 902.sup.2 is activated, such as by an electrical signal
or an electronic message 912. As shown, the activating element
902.sup.2, in response to the signal or message 912, effects
closure of the electrical link 904. In one embodiment, the relay
902.sup.2 does this by causing a current to flow to the smart
material 212, such as via the relay 902.sup.2, or other signal
source, through the line shown between the relay and the smart
material 212. In a contemplated embodiment, the relay 902.sup.2
causes the closure by causing a joint 914, such as a hinge, to move
to close the link 904. In another contemplated embodiment, the
relay effects the closure by causing movement of (e.g., by pulling
or pushing) a connecting end 916 of the link 904. In some
embodiments, the relay initiates connection between the power, or
charge, source and the actuator (SMA), being exposed to the
current, and operates as described to hold closed the connection
until power is drained beyond a point of being able to provide
enough current to hold the SMA in its actuated state.
FIG. 15
[0119] FIG. 15 shows the system 900 after the triggering component
902, whatever the type (e.g., 902.sup.1 or 902.sup.2), has acted to
close the electrical link 904. When the electrical link 904 is
closed, current 920 is able to flow, from the power source 906
and/or any other charged elements connected to the link 904,
through the link 904 and to the smart material 212. In response to
being exposed to the current 920, the smart material 212 changes
shape as described above. For instance, the smart material 212
contracts. By changing to an undeformed shape, the smart material
212 pulls on a contact piece 922 connected to the smart material
212 and the electrical link 904 thereby holding the electrical link
904 toward its already-existing closed position.
[0120] 101341 In these ways, once the system is triggered,
including closing of the electrical link 904, the link 904 will
stay closed by operation of the technology including the smart
material 212 until, if ever, all or a sufficient amount of charge
is drained from the power source and/or any other charged elements
connected to the link 904. By these operations, persons contacting
parts of the system 700, are less likely to be shocked by charge
that theoretically could originate from the power source 906 and,
if they are, to be shocked by a possibly much smaller charge than
would be the case if the draining up to that time had not
occurred.
[0121] The alarms 230, 232, the resistor 236, and the electric
ground 234 can operate in substantially the same manner as
described above in connection with other embodiments.
[0122] In one embodiment, the system 900 includes a biasing
component, such as that shown expressly in FIGS. 24, FIG. 16, and
FIG. 17, configured and arranged in the system to bias the closing
portion 904 to an open position (e.g., the position shown in FIG.
9). As shown in those other figures, and described in connection
with the various embodiments in the present disclosure, the biasing
component can include a spring, for instance, such as a compression
or tension spring. In the embodiment of FIG. 15, when the current
passing through the SMA 212 decreases sufficiently, such as by the
source 906 being drained sufficiently as desired, the SMA 212 will
cool , rendering the SMA weaker with a lower elastic modulus,
thereby allowing the biasing element to overcome the force of the
SMA 212, and the biasing element to thereby pull the connection 904
open.
FIG. 16
[0123] FIG. 16 shows a system 1100 for actuating a safety mechanism
1102. The system 1100 can be used to protect persons from any one
or more of various conditions including heat, cold, or radiation.
For instance, the system can be used in conjunction with, or
include, an opening such as a door of a steam tunnel, oven, or room
or other structure that could separate the persons from an unwanted
heat. Regarding cold, the system can be used in conjunction with,
or include, an opening such as a door of a cryogenic chamber or
room or other structure that could separate the persons from an
unwanted low temperature. Regarding radiation, the system can be
used in conjunction with, or include, an opening such as a door of
a radiation container, room, or other structure that could separate
the persons from unwanted exposure to radiation.
[0124] As a particular example regarding protection from unwanted
heat, in an automobile or other vehicle, the system 1100 can be
used to protect persons from accessing a radiator via the radiator
cap, when the heat and pressure therein are above levels to which
one should be directly exposed. For instance, the base part or
surface 1116 shown in FIG. 16 and described below can be or be
connected to a radiator cap. The figures are considered to show
analogously the system 1100 for locking components like a door of a
room, a door of a steam tunnel, etc.
[0125] The system 1100 includes a transformable material 1104, such
as a smart material, which is in one embodiment a Shape Memory
Alloy (SMA) such as those described herein above. In some
embodiments the safety mechanism 1102 is considered a part of the
system 1100, and in other embodiments it simply interacts with the
system 1100.
[0126] The transformable material 1104 may be sized, shaped, and
arranged in any of a wide variety of manners sufficient to actuate
the safety mechanism when the material changes from a first form to
a second form (e.g., contracts). In the embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 16 expressly, the material 1104, e.g., SMA, is in an elongated
form. Further in this embodiment, the material 1104, which can have
a wire or cable geometrical form, extends between two connecting
points such as the exemplary points 1106 shown in FIG. 16 and FIG.
17. At an intermediate portion of the material 1104, the material
1104 engages a contact point 1108 of the safety mechanism 1102.
[0127] FIG. 16 is also considered to show, in combination with
other figures (e.g., FIGS. 24 and 7-10) and corresponding
descriptions, the transformable material 1104 also having an
elongated form, but instead of the arrangement shown expressly in
FIG. 16, an embodiment in which the transformable material 1104
pulls directly on a part (e.g., part 213 in FIG. 2, part 216 in
FIG. 7, or part 904 in FIG. 9) to actuate the safety mechanism
1102. Such part can be considered as a part of the safety mechanism
or connected to the safety mechanism 1102.
[0128] Although in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 16, the
safety mechanism 1102 includes a locking component 1110, the figure
in conjunction with the other figures (e.g., FIGS. 7 and 8) and
descriptions herein is considered to also constructively show an
embodiment in which the security mechanism 1102 is a cover or
shield (like the shield 702 of FIGS. 7 and 8).
[0129] The locking component 1110 is connected to a biasing
component 1112 configured and arranged in the system to bias the
safety mechanism 1102 to a non-engaged position (shown
schematically in FIG. 16). This biasing of the locking component
1110 is, in the example of FIG. 16, toward the left, as shown by
the arrows 1113. In the example of FIG. 16, the biasing component
1112 is a compression spring.
[0130] The spring of this example is at a first end connected to or
at least positioned to selectively engage a flange 1114 or other
bias-contact part of the locking component 1110. The spring of this
example is at a second end connected to or at least positioned to
selectively engage a part such as a base part or surface 1116. As
shown, the surface 1116 can be a part of a complementing locking
part, which is in some embodiments analogous to the complementing
part 218 shown in FIG. 2.
[0131] In one embodiment, the biasing component is a tension spring
connected directly or indirectly to the locking component 1110,
such as the spring 216 shown in the embodiment of FIG. 2.
[0132] The locking component 1110 includes an engagement portion
1120 positioned and arranged to be inserted into or otherwise
engage a receiving part 1122 (like, e.g., the receptacle 220 of
FIG. 2). In cases in which the base part 1116 and receiving part
1122 are parts of, or connected to, a rotating device, such as an
automobile radiator cap, the engagement portion 1120 can be
referred to as a detent, having the purpose of keeping the base
part 1116 from moving (e.g., rotating to remove the cap).
[0133] In one embodiment, the transformable material 1104 is an SMA
smart material arranged at a temporary shape shown in FIG. 16 while
at a low temperature at which the SMA has a relatively low modulus.
More particularly, at low temperature, the SMA 1104 can be
pseudo-plastically deformed by the biasing element 1112 (or by
hand), thereby moving the safety mechanism 1102 to its disengaged
position shown in FIG. 16. These same concepts can apply to the
transformable materials and configurations and arrangements thereof
in connection with the embodiments of FIGS. 2-4 and 7-10.
FIG. 17
[0134] FIG. 17 shows the system 1100 of FIG. 16 with the safety
mechanism 1102 moved to its engaged state. The system 1100 is moved
to this engaged state by the transformable material 1104, e.g.,
SMA, activating. The SMA 1104 activates, by contracting, when
exposed to a sufficient stimuli.
[0135] It can be seen that, in the embodiment expressly shown in
FIG. 17, because the connection points 1106 are fixed, the SMA 1104
contracting creates an actuating force 1124 against the contact
point 1108 of the safety mechanism 1102 (i.e., toward the right in
the schematic of FIG. 17). This force 1124 causes the safety
mechanism 1102 to also move i.e., toward the right in the schematic
of FIG. 17, as shown by motion arrow 1125. The SMA 1104 and biasing
component 1112 are selected, and the relevant components including
these are configured and arranged so that, when the SMA 1104 is
exposed to sufficient stimuli, the force 1124 created by it is
sufficient to overcome bias of the biasing element 1112 (i.e.,
toward the left in the schematics of FIG. 16 and FIG. 17 (see e.g.,
arrow 1113 in FIG. 16)).
[0136] When the safety mechanism 1102 moves toward the right in
FIG. 17, the engagement portion 1120 (e.g., detent) thereof is
moved to its engaged position within the receiving part 1122 (e.g.
receiving part of an automobile radiator cap or other base part
1116).
[0137] The concepts of the present embodiments regarding SMA
activation and results of the activation can be similarly applied
in different configurations and arrangements such as by using an
SMA arrangement like that shown in FIGS. 2-4.
[0138] Thus, for example, an arrangement like that shown in FIGS.
2-4 could be configured and arranged to be actuated by a sufficient
stimuli other than joule heating from an electric current, such as
by a sufficient heat, sufficient lack of heat (e.g., cold),
sufficient radiation, or the other stimuli referenced herein.
[0139] These concepts described in connection with locking can at
the same time or instead be equally applied to the shielding uses
described (e.g., in connection with the shield 702 of FIG. 7). In
this case, the shield could be a heat shield, such as a heat, fire,
and/or flame resistant shield, of any needed size and shape.
[0140] When the stimuli is removed or subsides to a sufficient
degree or amount, such as by a temperature in an automobile
radiator (a temperature to which the SMA 1104 is exposed) cools
sufficiently, the SMA cools and thereby will again adopt its low
temperature, deformable state, whereby the biasing mechanism 1112
will again be able to push the safety mechanism 1102 out of its
engagement--i.e., toward the state shown in FIG. 16. In this way,
with the relevant temperature in a safe range, the opening
associated with the base part 1116, such as a radiator cap, can be
safely removed or opened by personnel.
[0141] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the
same concepts can be applied to scenarios in which the system 1100
is arranged to protect persons from cold, such as in a cryogenic
environment. As a first primary example, the system 1100 can be
configured and arranged (e.g., SMA 1104 and biasing element 1112
selection/characteristics, positioning, etc.) so that the engaging
portion 1120 s engaged when the SMA is exposed to a temperature
that is below a select temperature. This embodiment can operate to
protect personnel from extremely low temperatures, such as those in
a container or room having liquid nitrogen or other very cold
agent.
[0142] In one implementation, the system 1100 is arranged so that
the mechanism 1102 is disengaged in response to the temperature to
which the SMA 1104 is exposed being sufficiently high (i.e., not
too cold). For this case, the biasing element 1112 can be
configured and arranged to bias the safety mechanism 1102 toward
the engaged or disengaged state.
[0143] As a second primary example, the system 1100 can be
configured and arranged (e.g., SMA 1104 and biasing element 1112
selection/characteristics, positioning, etc.) so that the engaging
portion 1120 is engaged when the SMA is exposed to a radiation that
is above or below a select radiation value. This embodiment can
operate to protect personnel from high radiation levels, such as
those in a container or in or outside of a room. For this
embodiment, the SMA 1104 would be at least partially covered with a
coating (e.g., sleeve, patch(es), stripe(s), etc.) of a second
material configured to heat or cool in response to certain levels
of radiation. For this case, the figures are considered to show
such partial or full covering by the lines therein surrounding the
SMA 1104 (or e.g., lines for item 212 in other figures). In
operation, for instance, when the covered SMA 1104 is exposed to
high radiation, the covering heats causing the SMA to contract,
thereby moving the locking part, or shielding part into position.
In this case, the shielding part can be a radiation shield of any
needed size and shape.
[0144] In some embodiments, the system 1100 (or any of those of
earlier embodiments, e.g., 200, 700) includes a manual release,
shown schematically in FIG. 17 by reference numeral 1126, and
considered shown similarly in connection with the other illustrated
and described systems 200, 700. The release 1126 can be configured
to be actuated by a special key or tool, for instance, or even a
plain tool such as a screwdriver or other long implement used by
persons, such as emergency responders (e.g., fire fighters). In one
embodiment, the manual release 1126 can be activated by hand. As
can be seen by the representation in FIG. 17, operation of the
manual release 1126 moves the safety mechanism 1102 out of the
engaged position shown in FIG. 17, toward the unengaged position
shown in FIG. 16.
Conclusion
[0145] As provided, benefits of the present technology include
protecting persons from electrical shock in one or more of a
variety of ways. Other benefits include providing these protections
(1) using unwanted electricity, and so without use of, and so
conservation of, other electricity, and (2) without the cost or
other challenges (e.g., maintenance) related to complex devices
such as a computer processing unit. Another benefit is the systems
being configured and arranged to perform their desired functions,
not only automatically, but also until the need for performance is
no longer needed--that is, until the unwanted charge has been
removed or at least alleviated to a sufficient degree. In this
event, the biasing element causes the actuator to reset (e.g.,
stretch to its temporary state).
[0146] Various embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed
herein. The disclosed embodiments are merely examples that may be
embodied in various and alternative forms, and combinations
thereof.
[0147] Some embodiments of the present technology can be referred
to as passive-actuation systems, being configured and arranged to
passively actuate one or more safety mechanisms--e.g., locking
mechanism, blocking mechanism, and mechanism to hold an electrical
connection closed thereby promoting drainage of unwanted electrical
charge. The passive aspect of such systems relates to an ability of
the system to actuate the safety mechanism(s) automatically without
being triggered or controlled by an electric current and/or signal
from a complex computing or controlling device system. Instead,
activation is triggered merely by an environmental or situational
condition, such as an unwanted temperature (unwanted ambient
temperature), an unwanted current from residual charge in a
component (e.g., power box), by unwanted radiation, or an
electrical current from a secondary (e.g., control) signal to a
component (e.g., power box). In the latter example, the electrical
current is not formed and transferred to the present safety system
for the purpose of operating the safety system, but rather the
current is provided to devices distinct from the safety system
(e.g., to a device such as a power box, and more particularly
control aspects thereof, as compared perhaps to driving aspects
thereof). In these regards, the system can be referred to as
passive.
[0148] The law does not require and it is economically prohibitive
to illustrate and teach every possible embodiment of the present
claims. Hence, the above-described embodiments are merely exemplary
illustrations of implementations set forth for a clear
understanding of the principles of the disclosure. Variations,
modifications, and combinations may be made to the above-described
embodiments without departing from the scope of the claims. All
such variations, modifications, and combinations are included
herein by the scope of this disclosure and the following
claims.
* * * * *